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Brumbies lock in rising stars

The Brumbies have added three young talents to their squad for 2017 and beyond, as they look to build depth.

Development player Ben Hyne will join the extended playing squad next season, along with former Rebels talent Robert Valetini, while Brumbies Colts player Ryan Lonergan has been upgraded to the Super Rugby squad.

Hyne, who plays lock and flanker, spent preseason training with the Brumbies before featuring in the trial match against the Waratahs in Wagga, and was part of the touring squad to South Africa earlier this season.

The 22-year-old caught the eye of the Brumbies playing for Brisbane City in the NRC, with the Rockhampton junior scoring a try in City’s championship win over the UC Vikings.

Valetini follows in the footsteps of schoolboy star Nick Jooste in signing a Super Rugby contract straight out of school.

Just 17, the Melbourne product impressed for the Rebels U20s this season, before being snatched up by the Brumbies for 2017.

Lonergan is the only home-grown talent of the trio, having come through the ACT representative ranks.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said he had been impressed by the development of the three players.

“All of these players have had a taste of professional Rugby in one way or another and have shown that they’ve got potential for Super Rugby,” Larkham said.

“You can see the dedication in their attitude on the field, whether it be at training or in competitions like Super U20s.

“Our Pathways program continues to develop elite players and we hope to see all of these players in Brumbies colours in the future.”